Improvise a Signal Mirror
More Articles Related to SignalingWhen you need help or are lost in the wilderness, one of the most overlooked but valuable methods of attracting attention is using a signal mirror.
Emergency Signal Mirrors Work
The ability to signal rescuers is a basic outdoor survival skill.
When aimed correctly, the brilliant flash from an emergency signal mirror cannot be ignored. It will reveal your position in the densest of vegetation or in the most rugged mountainous landscape.
I remember standing on a road, attempting to locate the position of a land survey crew somewhere on the densely forested slope of a mountain a mile away. After a frustrating hour of radio communication, someone in the crew thought to use his compass mirror and the sun as a signaling device – the signal flash immediately and unmistakably revealed their position. And so was born my admiration for the lowly signal mirror.
Under ideal conditions a signal mirror can be effective for over 100-miles, but generally 10-miles is a more realistic maximum distance.
The brilliant flash from an emergency signal mirror cannot be ignored
There are commercially available signal mirrors that you can buy for use in emergencies. Unfortunately few people carry a specially made signal mirror regularly. However, you may have a signal mirror on your person or in your gear without even realizing it. The rear view mirror of your vehicle, the mirror that comes on some magnetic compasses, a shiny CD that contains your favorite music, or even a mirror in your girlfriend’s makeup kit. You can also try aluminum foil, metal from cans, or any other polished metal.
How to Aim an Emergency Signal Mirror
Under ideal conditions the effective range of a signal mirror can be more than 100-miles
Commercial signal mirrors come with special aiming devices. If you have an improvised signal mirror here is how you can quickly and easily aim it:
- Stretch out one hand and from a “V” with your two fingers.
- Move your hand until the object you want to flash, such as an airplane, is sighted between the “V”
- Holding your signal mirror in your other hand, position the mirror so that the sunlight reflected off your mirror is going through the “V” formed by your fingers.
Another method of aiming a signal mirror is to use an aiming stake. Follow these steps:
- Select an object, such as a stick, that is about chest or head high.
- Position yourself so that the object you want to signal, the top of the stick, and the top of your mirror line up.
- Manipulate your signal mirror so that the reflected light from the sun hits the top of the stick while maintaining the alignment in step 2.
Once you have attracted the notice of your target, do not continue to flash them. The flash from your signal mirror is so bright as to be blinding.
So there you have it, signal mirroring 101. Now go out and practice!
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A mirror is the best signalingtool at daytime, as an addition to your mirror i suggest bringing a sheet of all metal aluminium foil like the kind you use on the barbecue. It does'nt take much space and is nearly weightless. Foil can be used for cooking directly on the fire and can be shred to small parts and tied to a long cord with 20-30 inches apart. Use rocks or branches to throw the ends up in the top of two trees or similar. You will have a chance that someone will see it even if you dont have time to get your mirror out. The aluminum will reflect in allmost any direction all the time there is sun.
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